Real Madrid Delays Rodri Deal, Focuses on Diomande

Real Madrid has decided to delay its move to secure the signing of Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernandez, even though the club's management gave the green light to start the process earlier this week, following internal discussions that lasted several weeks regarding the feasibility of signing the Manchester City star.

According to Spanish newspaper "AS", the decision to delay does not mean that Real Madrid is backing away from their interest in the player, but rather it is due to prioritizing the completion of other deals, most notably the transfer of Ivorian Yan Diomande.

The report confirmed that the agreement with Diomande is complete regarding personal terms for a five-year contract, with only some official procedures and documentation remaining. The club wishes for the player to join the team's training under the guidance of José Mourinho before the end of the week.

The Diemandé deal was expected to close in the early days of the week, but some discrepancies in several clauses between Real Madrid and RB Leipzig have caused a delay in its completion.

Meanwhile, the first official communications with Manchester City regarding Rodri, scheduled for Thursday, have been postponed, as Real Madrid continues to pursue the Spanish midfielder.

The source concluded that Rodri succeeded in changing the stance of Real Madrid officials after his outstanding performances in the 2026 World Cup, especially in the semi-final and final matches, moving from a dismissed option to the primary target for strengthening the midfield.